Working Weekend: UPDATED 28th November

Winter Working Weekend - UPDATE 28th November

This just in from Pete Snashall:

I must thank all those who turned out to make this a hugely successful weekend. Over the course of the weekend we were joined by some 45 volunteers with a record 35 on-site during Saturday.

With such an impressive turnout we were able to make progress on a number of fronts during the course of the weekend with one fence run being repaired and another being replaced in it's entirety. A substantial amount of clearance was also undertaken.

The opportunity was also taken to replace the bridge post on Bridge 74, freshly revealed from the undergrowth. Thanks to the land owner for looking after the post and for allowing us to return it to it's proper position.

The end results are a credit to the Railway and all those who took part. Thank you all!

I cannot finish without mentioning Sonia Oakey and Julia Snashall for once again creating a wonderful Christmas grotto for us in the marquee at Woody Bay. Thank you ladies.

And finally the next working weekend is planned for the 24th-26th January. If you fancy joining us and would like to know more please give me a call Tel 01233 662310 Mob 07541 083336 or drop me an email.

More photos from Pete and Julia Snashall

1. Jerry, Rob and Keith. on Friday morning at Killington Lane lifting fence posts  and replacing them with droppers for re-use elsewhere.

2. The fence run with posts removed and replacement droppers fitted.

3. In the afternoon the gang moved to Caffyns to start clearing a second fence run.

4. Tea break with Jerry Oakey and Stuart Duddy - executive style!

5. Enjoying the glorious sunshine - the gang pause for a quick tea break

6. The second fence line (French Side) cleared and the run ready...

7. ...for wiring by Julian Palmer.

8. Jerry Oakey tensioning the wires on the first run - the Welsh Side.......

9. ......assisted by Ian Corney fitting the droppers.

10. The second run (the French Side) is completed.

11. The Welsh Side - a professional job.

12. Bridge 74 revealed.

Some interesting photos from Julian Palmer.

1. A piece of genuine L&B coal!

2. An SR fang bolt and clip - see page 249 of "The Book".

The above items were found whilst replacing the fencing near bridge 74.

3. Work in progress at bridge 74.

4. The recovered bridge plate once again in situ.

This report from Dave Tooke - Sunday

Although I did not take part in the work party, I took a break from paperwork at Woody Bay to go and visit the workers this afternoon.

A couple of photos which may be of interest, together with some photos taken in the same area by Tony Olsson in 1971.

1. The approach to Caffyns from the south (Woody Bay). Remains of Bridge 75 beyond parked cars.

2. A similar view from 1971 (Photo Tony Olsson).

3. The trackbed approaching Caffyns, marked by the white bungalow on the right.

4. Cattle creep, Bridge 74 in 1971 Note the small sapling... (Photo Tony Olsson).

5. ...42 years later it required the use of a chainsaw to remove it!

6. Bonfire beside Bridge 74.

7. Tony Olsson took this forlorn view in 1971. The halt building is just off to the right..

A similar view taken in 1938 just before the site was sold. (Photo Colling Turner)

Photos Dave Tooke - except were otherwise credited.  

Regular Thursday volunteer Graham Bendell sent us this report of Saturday's endeavours.

Little did I realise when I set off for Caffyns yesterday what a treat lay in store for me and the others who attended. If anyone ever needed a reason as to why we do this, yesterday gave the answer. What a glorious day and what a stunning section of trackbed. I had no idea it was like that. For a while I worked with Jim, the farmer, loading posts - what a nice chap. Some of the photographs give an idea of the prevailing weather conditions - quite a change from previous years!

Here are a few photos - I didn't get to take any of the new line of posts in place and I haven't included any names as there were several whose surnames I did not know. (The usual suspects excepted).

Graham

1. The well known L&B landmark greeted us on our arrival. Looking a little worn and distressed but a hint of what things will be like one day.

2. With the old posts taken out, the excavator heads over to pick up the auger.

3. The bonfire gang attempt to start the ritual bonfire. Some difficulties appeared to have been experienced and many "helpful" suggestions were made. Eventually, a conflagration ensued and, by the end of the day, all the scrub removed from the fence line had been disposed of. Things got a little smoky at times!

4. The "post planting group" about to "plant" their first post.

5. The Auger - it cannot be overstated just how useful this piece of equipment is for without it - and the excavator of course - it would have taken us several weekends of back-breaking work to achieve the same results.

6. A peep into the future - the view passengers will have on this section of track a section that is surely one of the most scenic stretches of railway anywhere in the country.

Photos and text - Graham Bendell